How Our Program Works
Our youth drug prevention program is based on current scientific findings on youth
behavior, brain development, and the power of storytelling.
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Step 1 Watch
A Natural High Video
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Step 2 Discuss
Together As A Group
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Step 3 Go Deeper
Through Fun Activities
This week’s theme highlights five
key components of prevention:
Each day during Red Ribbon Week, students build real-life social and emotional skills that help them
make healthy choices and live drug-free. In just 15 minutes a day, they’ll practice:
- Day 1 — Every Hero Starts with One Choice (Belief) — Tony Azevedo
- Day 2 — Discover Your Natural High (Passion) — Coming Soon
- Day 3 — Your Story Isn’t Finished (Resilience) — Jawaan
- Day 4 — Making a Difference (Influence) — Coming Soon
- Day 5 — Be the Hero of Your Story (Action) — reflection, no video
Red Ribbon Week
Exclusive
NEW STORYTELLERS
NEW STORYTELLERS
This year’s Storytellers know that being a hero isn’t
about capes or fame — it’s about integrity, passion,
and the choices you make when no one’s watching.
Meet the four voices behind Red Ribbon Week 2026.
Tips for Real Conversations:
Great conversations start with listening. By asking open questions and affirming strengths, you’ll guide students to
uncover their own motivations for living drug-free. This approach is called Motivational Interviewing, read more about it here
Lesson Plans & Video Playlist – Grades 4-12
Every day this week, we’ll uncover one more “piece” that helps students build a life of meaning, purpose, and healthy choices.
Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie knew that focusing on school and basketball was the only way to reach her dreams. Her determination led her to countless WNBA awards and four Olympic gold
medals.
Lisa Leslie – WNBA Basketball Player WNBA All Star
Read More-
Step 1: Watch 3 min 20 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1:
Lisa says, “I always wanted to represent my family, my mom and my sisters, and I didn’t want to do anything that would damage my family name.” How do you see yourself representing your family?
Question #2:
Everyone knew a girl that played on the basketball team and that impressed Lisa. Is there someone you admire?
Question #3:
In 9th grade Lisa set a goal to make the Olympic basketball team. What are your goals and how do you work toward them?
Question #4:
Focus helped Lisa prioritize grades and athletics. What are your priorities? How do you keep your focus on them?
Jawann Blanchey
Jawann Blanchey, a passionate drummer since age two, knew that drumming was his true calling. While experiencing homelessness, it was his dream and belief in himself that kept
him focused.
Jawann Blanchey – Pro Drummer Pro Drummer
Read More-
Step 1: Watch 5 min 36 sec
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Step 2: Discuss 15-30 minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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Step 3: Go Deeper 45-60 minutes View Activity List
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Some suggested questions to ask after you watch the video:
Download PDFQuestion #1
Jawann talks about his struggles, including being homeless and having to suppress his passion for drumming. How do you think Jawann's love for music helped him overcome these challenges? Can you share a time when you had to find strength in a hobby or passion during a difficult period?
Question #2
Jawann emphasizes the importance of choices, especially when facing tough times. Discuss the significance of choosing to keep going versus turning back in tough situations. What does this tell you about resilience and determination?
Question #3
Jawann mentions that music kept him off the streets and away from drugs. Why do you think having a 'natural high' like music is important for young people? How can a natural high be a protective factor against negative influences like drugs?
Bring the
conversation home.
You can bring the conversation home. Over dinner or in the car, try asking:
- What’s something you’re passionate
about that makes you feel like your best
self? - Who’s someone you look up to, and
why? - What does being a “hero” mean to you?
More Resources
Printable Lesson Plans & Much More
- How to use Natural High
- Sample parent letter
- 17 additional activity ideas
Have Students Pledge to Live Drug-Free
and Naturally High
Students can take the pledge online or print the pledge to display as a reminder
Printable Posters in English & Spanish
- Fentanyl Fact Sheet
- Fentapill Fact Sheet
- Parent Conversation Guide
Video: How To Make The Most Impact This Red Ribbon Week
Sign up to watch this short video on how to use our Red Ribbon Week lesson plans and resources.
- Only 3.5 minutes
- How to use the Natural High program in 3 easy steps
- Tips to make the most impact during Red Ribbon Week
- Highlight of this year’s activities and Storytellers
Red Ribbon Week Merch
Available Now
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and progress and to access our free content
Founder’s Story
Natural High was founded by entrepreneur Jon Sundt, who lost both of his brothers to drug addiction. After the loss, Jon became determined to turn this experience into positive change and made the decision to spend the rest of his life helping young people make better choices. He realized that simply shifting the way we engage youth could dispel the myth around drugs and alcohol. He began traveling to schools with local influencers and a slide projector at his side, hoping that his story could help save even one life.
Today, Natural High reaches young people around the country. What started in tragedy has now grown into a movement bringing hope and positive results to thousands of families. Two decades of youth are now thriving and choosing their Natural High over drugs and alcohol — all through the power of storytelling and positive example.